Let’s be honest, kids love party bags! Often seen as an essential part of any party, party bags (sometimes called loot bags or goodie bags) are given out to guests at the end of a birthday celebration. They’re such a fun way to end a party, as a little thank you from the birthday kid to their buddies to let them know they appreciate them coming. Not only are they a thoughtful gift, they're also the perfect bribe to get kids to leave a party peacefully. Seriously, what would we do without them?!! But not all party bags are created equal. The go-to option tends to be a few small plastic gifts and some sweets. However, these plastic party bag treasures can be bad for the environment (and the sugar’s not great for kids' teeth!) So, say goodbye to the lollies and the landfill! These crowd-sourced alternatives are sure to be a hit (and won’t produce a sugar high!). Read on for some eco-friendly, low sugar party bag options that kids (and parents) of all ages will love.When are you too old for party bags? (Spoiler alert: never!) Every kid – big or small – loves a good party bag. But often, the hard part is coming up with ideas that are sustainable and age appropriate. Here are our top picks for every age group that will have party guests smiling from ear to ear. Party bag ideas for 3 year olds and older:New crayons and colouring books Healthy(ish) snacks like sultanas, muesli bars Seeds and paper pots to plant sunflowers Reusable silicone straws Small puzzles Homemade play dough Picture books from the op-shop Whistles or other small noisemakers (No. We’re joking about this one. No parent wants to see a whistle in their kid’s party bag!)Party bag ideas for 10 year olds and olderCrystals, like rose quartz, amethyst and citrine Flower crowns made out of fresh flowers Beaded jewellery sourced from op-shops Bamboo rainbow toothbrushes Chapter books from the op shop Toffee apples Lip gloss, nail polish and bath bombs (perfect for a tween sleepover party!) Scrunchies Small pack of pens and pencils Make your own hot-chocolate kit (with mug, little packet of drinking chocolate and a marshmallow) Homemade jam Fun socks Origami paper and instructionsComic book creation kits (you can buy blank comic books on Amazon) Friendship bracelets Paper chatterboxes Fake tattoosParty bag ideas for 13 year olds and olderA rose with a thank you note tied to it A succulent for their room A keep cup for bubble tea Family sized block of chocolate to share with parents (brilliant idea, this one) Emery boards and nail polish Lotions and other toiletries Anklets Candles Bath bombs Small pack of game cards, like Magic the Gathering Funny socksSustainable party bag ideas: Don’t forget the packaging If you're looking for a party bag that's both fun and eco-friendly, here are 6 ideas to get you started.1. Make your own party bags from recycled materials. There are lots of ways to make party bags from recycled materials. You can use old newspapers, magazines, fabric scraps, or even recycled plastic bottles or grocery sacks. 2. Use reusable totes or baskets instead of party bags. If you're worried about all the waste generated by party bags, consider using reusable totes or baskets instead. This way, kids can reuse the totes for future parties or store their toys and treasures in them long after the party is over. 3. Choose biodegradable party bag materials. There are a number of biodegradable materials you can use for party bags, including cornstarch plastic, sugarcane plastic, and bamboo paper. These materials will degrade quickly once they're disposed of, making them a more sustainable party bag option than traditional materials like plastic. 4. Recycle old party supplies into new party bags. If you have any extra party supplies lying around after your celebration is over, recycle them into new party bags! You can use wrapping paper, ribbon, stickers, and other decorations to create festive and unique party bags for your guests. 5. Make party bags from reused materials. Take a look at home and see if you have any materials at home that could be made into party bags. You can use old pillowcases, fabric scraps, or even shopping bags as party bag "materials." Just be sure to decorate them with festive stickers or markers before filling them with goodies! 6. Go natural with cloth party sacks. Another eco-friendly option for party bags is cloth sacks made from natural materials like cotton or jute fiber. Not only do these sacks look earthy and stylish, but they can also be reused again and again.So, if you’re looking for party bag ideas without the lollies or plastic at your kid’s next birthday party, these fun and eco-friendly ideas are sure to be a hit with kids and parents alike!